What is the procedure known as Ladd's procedure used to treat?

Ladd's procedure is specifically designed to address intestinal malrotation, a congenital condition where the intestines do not properly rotate during fetal development, potentially leading to serious complications such as volvulus, where the intestines twist and obstruct blood flow. The Ladd's procedure involves surgical correction and repositioning of the intestines to prevent future complications and to create a more functional intestinal arrangement.

This procedure often includes widening the mesenteric base to reduce the risk of future volvulus and fixing the intestines in a more stable position to prevent reoccurrence of malrotation. By establishing a more anatomically appropriate orientation, the Ladd's procedure successfully reduces associated risks.

In contrast, meconium ileus, appendicitis, and duodenal atresia each involve different conditions that would require distinct surgical approaches. Meconium ileus typically involves a procedure to relieve bowel obstruction caused by thick meconium in the intestines, appendicitis generally requires an appendectomy to remove the inflamed appendix, and duodenal atresia often involves creating a bypass around the obstructed section of the duodenum. Each of these conditions has specific surgical treatments that are not related to the aims of the Ladd's procedure.